Deputies said Victoria Perez, 16, was shot during an argument before her body was left near a Spring Hill road.
SPRING HILL, FL — A 19-year-old man has been arrested in the killing of his 16-year-old girlfriend after the missing Pasco County teenager was found dead near a road Sunday, authorities said.
Robert Timmons was taken into custody in connection with the death of Victoria Perez, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Jeff Harrington said investigators believe Perez was shot during an argument inside a vehicle early Sunday before Timmons drove to another location and left her body near Crela Drive. The allegations against Timmons remain part of an active investigation, and the case has not been adjudicated.
Perez had been reported missing after she was last seen about 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Chiloe Street area of Spring Hill. The Sheriff’s Office issued a public notice Sunday seeking information about her whereabouts. Deputies described her as 5 feet, 2 inches tall and about 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Authorities said Perez later entered a vehicle driven by Timmons at about 1:15 a.m. Sunday. Investigators said the two began arguing while they were in the vehicle. Harrington said Timmons was carrying a gun and allegedly shot Perez during the dispute. Authorities have not publicly said what the argument was about.
Deputies responded at about 11:24 a.m. Sunday after a person was found dead in a wooded area near Crela Drive. Investigators identified the person as Perez, who had been reported missing earlier that day. Harrington said her body was found only a short distance from the roadway.
Detectives quickly began looking at Timmons after speaking with Perez’s relatives and friends, authorities said. Harrington said investigators obtained video connected to a vehicle associated with Timmons and later located him. The sheriff said Timmons initially denied having significant information about Perez but later acknowledged that he had picked her up and knew what had happened.
Investigators also allege Timmons disposed of the firearm in a nearby body of water after Perez was killed. Members of the Sheriff’s Office Dive and Underwater Recovery Team were searching the water for the weapon Monday. Authorities said investigators were also processing a vehicle and other locations for possible evidence.
Harrington said Perez’s family had concerns about her relationship with Timmons and had encouraged her to end it. Authorities said they had not identified a previous documented incident showing the relationship had become physically violent. The Sheriff’s Office has described the killing as an isolated incident and said there is no continuing threat to the public.
Timmons remained in custody Monday as detectives continued gathering evidence. Authorities have described him as facing a murder charge, but additional court details and a complete charging document were not immediately available in the sources reviewed. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active.
Author note: Last updated November 9, 2026.